Man Arrested After Setting Fire at Milan's Malpensa Airport

Panic ensued when a man ignited a fire at the airport, prompting an emergency response and subsequent evacuation of passengers.

Milan’s Malpensa Airport experienced a significant disturbance today when a man set fire to a check-in area early in the morning. Video footage shared on social media depicted alarming scenes within Terminal 1, where flames erupted at one of the desks, and a man vandalized digital screens before being subdued and detained by onlookers.

The Lombardy Airports Association reported that the situation is now under control, although they advised travelers to expect delays and potential flight cancellations at this bustling airport, frequently used by British tourists. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries related to the incident.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the event took place around 11:00 AM local time. Emergency services were promptly alerted when reports of an "agitated man" surfaced. A two-minute video verified by BBC Verify captured moments of panic as passengers fled the scene, while the suspect used a hammer to damage nearby walls and screens.

Witnesses intervened, with one individual attempting to restrain the suspect, and another striking him on the head with a fire extinguisher. As the crowd called for police assistance, the suspect was eventually subdued and restrained on the ground.

Images taken at the airport post-incident revealed long lines of travelers forced to wait outside as thick smoke billowed from the terminal’s interior. Airport firefighters were quick to respond, extinguishing the flames, but the heavy smoke necessitated an evacuation for safety reasons. The spokesperson assured that there had been no significant disruptions to air traffic operations.

The BBC has reached out to Malpensa Airport and its management for further comments regarding the incident and its aftermath.